Edge Hill University has announced the launch of two groundbreaking postgraduate teacher training programmes: PGCE Primary Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) Specialist with QTS and PGCE Primary Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist with QTS. These new courses are designed for aspiring teachers who want to become a specialist SEN lead or a mental health and wellbeing specialist in primary education settings.
With the rise in children and young people requiring more effective tailored support for their special educational needs, as well as their mental health, there is an increasing need for teachers with expertise in these fields. Edge Hill University’s new PGCE programmes aim to address this gap by training teachers who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners.
“We are delighted to be extending our current PGCE portfolio with the two innovative new specialisms of SENDI and mental health and wellbeing. These will provide our PGCE trainees with up-to-date knowledge and experience to become resilient and ethical teachers across the primary age phase. As SENDI or mental health and wellbeing specialist, our graduates will be subject experts who are committed to working creatively to transform life chances.”
Sian Miles
Head of Department, Primary and Childhood Education
What will students learn on these new PGCEs
Both new PGCE programmes blend classroom theory with a significant amount of time undertaking professional practice placements. Students will also undertake Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) to develop a much deeper understanding of their areas of specialist interest and be able to apply this in real world settings. Successful completion of both programmes leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Edge Hill-trained teachers will be at the forefront of shaping a brighter future for all pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities and those requiring support for their mental health.
PGCE Primary Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI) Specialist with QTS. Students will explore strategies for supporting learners with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Key modules include inclusive teaching methods, behaviour management, and adaptive curriculum planning, with hands-on placements in schools that specialise in SEND education.
PGCE Primary Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist with QTS. This programme focuses on promoting mental health and wellbeing within primary schools. Students will gain knowledge in early intervention strategies, trauma-informed teaching, and the integration of mental health support into everyday classroom practices.
Why study at Edge Hill University?
The Faculty of Education is committed to working creatively to transform life chances. Our curriculum seeks to develop teachers with a strong sense of social responsibility, including environmental and civic responsibilities, advocating for children’s rights, challenging bias and inequality, and supporting ecological justice and global sustainability. We also develop teachers who recognise and celebrate difference and diversity, including the diverse backgrounds and orientations of learners and colleagues, as well as the diversity of powerful insights and methodologies in educational research and practice.
- Ofsted Outstanding: Edge Hill is one of the first English universities graded Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ across all three initial teacher training age phases.
- Strong partnerships: with our connections to over 1500 institutions, there are plenty of opportunities for work experience.
- Student support: we prioritise student wellbeing, with dedicated support services that ensure graduates are prepared both academically and personally.
“The promotion of mental health and wellbeing is a core feature of internationally known, multi-award-winning, research and knowledge exchange activity which informs teaching undertaken in the Faculty of Education. Examples of our work which supports the mental health of children and young people in schools include our Tackling the Blues programme, delivered in partnership with Everton in the Community (the official charity of Everton Football Club).
We are working with other organisations on plans to improve mental health and prevent suicide. These include providing trainee teachers with training in mental health and suicide awareness; providing partner schools and colleges with resources on how to support children and young people; and offering professional development opportunities for trainees and qualified teachers. Our staff and students also work with community and national partners across the sport, culture and arts sectors to promote mental health and support the treatment and management of mental illness.”
Professor Andy Smith
Professor of Sport, Education and Mental Health
Director of the Centre for Mental Health, Sport and Physical Activity
Find out more
December 11, 2024
